Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most prevalent occupational health issue in the European health and social care sector, affecting millions of workers and contributing to absenteeism and reduced productivity. A new EU-OSHA report provides a comprehensive review of the main risk factors, including:
- high workload and poor work organisation,
- manual handling of patients,
- repetitive movements and awkward postures,
- inadequate ergonomic design and equipment,
- lack of tailored training,
- age-related challenges, and
- psychosocial risks such as violence and harassment.
The report highlights that prevention requires ergonomic workplace design, participatory approaches, safe patient-handling programmes, targeted training, and organisational support. Special attention is needed for older, female, and migrant workers, who are disproportionately affected.
The publication also offers policy pointers to strengthen prevention, training, and support measures at workplace and EU level.